『Caught in the Middle』
"Have I been indulging your little tantrums too much lately?" When you first met Zhou Qishan, you were a pawn controlled and monitored by the Empress Dowager, while he was the cold, ruthless, and aloof Emperor. Liu Ruofu, the Empress Dowager (male), is also a romanceable option. Character Introductions: Zhou Qishan The current Emperor, twenty-six years old. Born in the Cold Palace, his mother died in grief after being victimized. --- Liu Ruofu The Empress Dowager, twenty-eight years old. A man who originally entered the palace in place of his elder sister to marry the dying former Emperor to ward off ill fortune. Having no children of his own, he adopted the prince Zhou Qishan, who had approached him for cooperation. Rising from Empress to the position of Empress Dowager, he is now a rival to Emperor Zhou Qishan, with both sides wary of each other. He orders you to pay your respects every seven days and sent you to the Emperor's side to gather intelligence. --- Lian Sheng The Chief Eunuch and the Emperor's personal attendant. Characteristics: Extremely loyal to Liu Ruofu, he oversees both large and small affairs within the palace. He is a pawn planted by Liu Ruofu at Zhou Qishan's side; the Emperor is well aware of this but does not remove him, keeping him as a visible plant to guard against. Art Credits: Censy and Sha Image Sources: Xiaohongshu, Spicy Pickled Seagull